Classic TV Ratings and Rankings: 1960-61 Season

Top non-western program

The 1960-61 season was the beginning of the end for the TV Western. Yes, the top three series are westerns, but there are only eight series that make it into the top 30 chart. This is two less than the previous season and half as many from just two seasons ago.

The fall of 1960 also was the birth of some of the great classic TV series. THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, THE FLINTSTONES and MY THREE SONS all get their starts in 1960. THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW is the instant hit, ranking #4 for the season and out performing its lead in program THE DANNY THOMAS SHOW (#12).

CBS is still dominating the charts as it posts 17 series in the top 30. Second is ABC with nine programs and NBC claimed the remaining four spots.

Top 30 Network Programs by household ratings

1. 37.3 - Gunsmoke (CBS)
2. 34.2 - Wagon Train (NBC)
3. 30.9 - Have Gun - Will Travel (CBS)
4. 27.8 - The Andy Griffith Show (CBS)
5. 27.7 - The Real McCoys (ABC)
6. 27.5 - Rawhide (CBS)
7. 27.3 - Candid Camera (CBS)
8. 27.0 - The Price Is Right (NBC)
8. 27.0 - The Untouchables (ABC)
10. 26.2 - Jack Benny Show (CBS)
11. 26.1 - Dennis The Menace (CBS)
12. 25.9 - The Danny Thomas Show (CBS)
13. 25.8 - My Three Sons (ABC)
13. 25.8 - 77 Sunset Strip (ABC)
15. 25.0 - The Ed Sullivan Show (CBS)
16. 24.9 - Perry Mason (CBS)
17. 24.8 - Bonanza (NBC)
18. 24.3 - The Flintstones (ABC)
19. 24.0 - The Red Skelton Show (CBS)
20. 23.4 - General Electric Theater (CBS)
21. 23.2 - Checkmate (CBS)
22. 23.1 - What's My Line (CBS)
23. 23.0 - The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (CBS)
24. 22.9 - The Ford Show Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford (NBC)
25. 22.7 - The Garry Moore Show (CBS)
26. 22.3 - The Lawman (ABC) 
27. 22.1 - The Rifleman (ABC)
28. 22.0 - Cheyenne (ABC)
29. 21.9 - Peter Gunn (ABC)
30. 21.7 - Route 66 (CBS)